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The following is produced by the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space (space4peace.org). A wonder full example of people not waiting for someone in a white house, or otherwise so-called authority, to get on with directly communicating, connecting, and caring for our entire single, irreplaceable human family for the sake of the future of all alive now and yet to be born.

Global Network Russia Study Tour DeclarationOur 24-person study tour delegation included people from the US, England, Nepal and Russia. We met in Moscow and then journeyed to Crimea and St. Petersburg. Our friends from Nepal have created a GN chapter in Kathmandu and have been trying to get Visas to our annual GN conferences for the past three years. This time they finally made it. This declaration was written with input from several members of the group under the direction of John Schuchardt (2nd from right in the back) from Massachusetts.

(May 9, 2019) As an international delegation to the Russian Federation of 24 individuals, we have visited Moscow, St. Petersburg, and three cities in Crimea (April 25–May 9).

We came to learn, to listen, and to build a bridge of friendship through citizen diplomacy. We have had daily important meetings with Russian journalists, activists, academics, ordinary citizens, and gained firsthand information and historical perspective. The Russian people met us with warmth, openness, and generosity.

We came because we are alarmed by the U.S. demonization of Russia and the NATO provocations which have created a world of increasing military confrontation, with the U.S. even threatening the first-use of nuclear weapons.

The Russian people love their country with a warmth and depth of love that is difficult for [U.S.] Americans to comprehend. It is a love born of centuries of history, culture and religious faith, and a love born of the suffering and sacrifice of the repeated defense of their Motherland.

On Victory Day, May 9 in St. Petersburg, we walked in solidarity with 1.2 million family members and survivors of the 1941-1945 defense of the former Soviet Union when Americans and Russians were friends and allies against the German fascist invasion and occupation. (It should be remembered that 28 million Soviet citizens lost their lives during the fight against the fascists.)

Our message is a call to end the demonization of Russia, remove US/NATO warships from the Black Sea, end the escalating war maneuvers on Russia’s borders, and build bridges of diplomacy and friendship.

1.2 million citizens joined the May 9 march through St. Petersburg. Most of the people carried photos of their relatives who died or survived the harrowing invasion and 900-day siege of St. Petersburg (then called Leningrad) by the German fascists. All over Russia on May 9 similar marches were held—not to celebrate but to remember.

Inside the very moving Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Moscow hangs this painting of American and Soviet soldiers, then WWII allies. The Cold War ended that short-lived friendship between our two nations.

Following our participation in the May Day parade in Simferopol we were invited to a conference that gave us a chance to hear from local leaders and four members of our delegation also spoke. Afterwards the Global Network board convener Dave Webb (UK) signed a peace, friendship and cooperation agreement with Yan Epshtein, Director of the Crimean NGO called the Black Sea Association for International Cooperation. This NGO supports the 175 ethnic groups in Crimea to ensure their unique cultures are not lost. During the May Day parade many different costumes were worn representing the many distinct cultures in Crimea.

While in Yalta, Crimea some of our group met with several Soviet- era veterans. In this photo Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Will Griffin (Pennsylvania) poses with 93-year old WW II veteran who spoke to us about his strong desire for peace with the west and also told of his deep concern about climate change.